The Stone Was Rolled Away

The Stone Was Rolled Away

Written by Peter B. Francis

In a world shaken by the death of a Savior, the story begins in the shadow of the cross—and in the searching heart of a modern-day Seeker.

A young man stands in a contemporary church, interrupting a Sunday homily with questions that echo across the centuries: “How do we know? Who saw it happen? Why was the stone rolled away?”

The pastor, calm and compassionate, invites him—and the audience—to a journey through Scripture and history to uncover truth beyond doubt.

The story starts in ancient Jerusalem. Pilate is tormented by guilt as his wife, Claudia, delivers a haunting warning from a divine dream. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus tenderly lay Jesus in the tomb, while fearful priests seal it under Roman command, hoping to silence what they cannot understand.

But as whispers stir in the streets, the impossible happens—the stone is rolled away, and the tomb is empty. Faith wrestles with fear. Truth collides with power. And a restless world begins to ask, “Where is He now?”

Through each scene, the Seeker’s questions frame the unfolding story, bridging past and present as doubt gives way to discovery.

The wonder of resurrection bursts forth. On the Road to Emmaus, hearts burn as a stranger reveals the Scriptures fulfilled. In Jerusalem, joy erupts as Mary Magdalene sings “Rise Up!,” and the disciples unite in praise with “Only One God.” Yet faith is tested as Thomas confronts his doubt—until the risen Christ stands before him, leading to his confession in “With My Father’s Love (Believing Like a Man).”

The story crescendos in the triumphant reprise “The Stone Was Rolled Away,” culminating on a Galilean hillside where Christ commissions His followers to go into all the world. The ensemble bursts into the finale, “Alive in Paradise,” a soaring anthem of mission, unity, and eternal hope.

Through drama, Scripture, and original music, The Stone Was Rolled Away tells the story of doubt transformed into faith, despair into joy, and death conquered by life—inviting every heart to see, believe, and proclaim:

“The Savior has come alive in Paradise!”